‘I don’t think it should’ve stood’

Tammy Abraham scored a controversial opening goal in Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Luton on Sunday.

The Luton Town players were not happy and protested the decision as two balls were on the pitch during the build-up.

When the ball went out of play for a Chelsea throw in on the right-hand side, it bounced back onto the pitch off of the advertising board.

Hakim Ziyech grabbed an alternative ball and took a quick throw to set Timo Werner away further up the field.

He then pulled it back to Abraham who produced a fine finish.

Luton midfielders pointed to the fact there were two balls on the pitch as soon as Ziyech took the throw.

Mason Mount quickly kicked the extra ball back out of play and the officials ultimately decided that this did not affect the attack and subsequent goal.

Luton protests went ignored.

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said in his role as a BBC pundit at half time: “I think Luton is a little bit unlucky.

“If the ref sees it, then he will blow this back. I know for Chelsea it’s a great moment, but Luton is a little bit unlucky there.”

Danny Murphy added: “Yes, it interferes if you’re a player on the pitch watching the ball

“I think they’ve got every reason to be upset because, as a centre-half or centre-midfielder, you’re watching the ball that’s on the pitch thinking, ‘What are they gonna do with it?’

“While the other one five or ten yards away has been thrown in behind your back players.

“I don’t think it should’ve stood, I don’t think it should’ve been a goal.”

Abraham quickly put Chelsea 2-0 up with a fine header, turning in Reece James’ smartly-lofted cross.

After a sluggish opening few minutes adjusting to a new formation, the Blues settled well and fully merited their two-goal lead.

However, Jordan Clark slotted home for Luton on the half-hour mark to keep the visitors in the tie at 2-1 down.

Kepa reached the low effort with both foot and hand, and yet somehow still failed to keep it out.